Your Key to Baja Sur’s Best Adventures
A car rental in Los Cabos gives you the freedom to explore Baja California Sur on your own schedule. Here’s what you need to know:
Average Costs:
- September: $12-$15/day (cheapest month)
- December: $33/day (most expensive)
- Book 44-65 days ahead for best rates
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 21 years old
- Valid driver’s license
- Credit card for deposit
- Third-Party Liability insurance (required by law)
Planning a trip to Los Cabos involves deciding how you’ll get around. A rental car opens up access to hidden beaches, local taco stands, and day trips to places like Todos Santos and La Paz. However, it also means dealing with insurance paperwork, toll roads, and navigating unfamiliar streets.
The region spans from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas, with the scenic Tourist Corridor in between. SUVs are the most popular rental choice, though compact cars work fine if you’re sticking to paved roads.
Not everyone needs a car, though. If your resort has everything you want, or you’d rather skip parking hassles and enjoy margaritas without worrying about driving, SJD Taxi offers private and shared shuttles. Our bilingual drivers know the area, and you can even request grocery stops on private transfers.
Matching your transportation to your travel style is the goal. Adventure seekers heading to remote surf breaks will love the freedom of four wheels. Families at all-inclusive resorts might prefer the simplicity of pre-arranged rides.
The Ultimate Guide to Car Rentals in Los Cabos
Finding Your Perfect Ride: Vehicle Types and Costs
Choosing the right vehicle for your Los Cabos adventure sets the tone for your trip. You’ll find plenty of options for any kind of exploring you have planned.
SUVs are the most popular choice. Intermediate SUVs get booked up fast across Los Cabos, while full-size SUVs are common in Cabo San Lucas. They offer room for luggage, comfortable seating for longer drives, and higher clearance for venturing off main roads to find hidden beaches or surf spots.
Sedans make sense if you’re sticking to paved highways and want to save on fuel. You’ll find everything from economy to mid-size options that handle the Tourist Corridor and city streets with ease.
Traveling with a crowd? Passenger vans are available when you need to keep the group together.
What about the cost? Prices for car rentals in Los Cabos vary depending on when you book and visit. For the best rates, book your rental around 44 days before your trip, or about 65 days out for Cabo San Lucas specifically.
September is the most affordable month, with daily rates averaging $12-$15. December is pricier, with rates around $33 per day. Some companies advertise deals as low as $6-$7 per day, but availability is limited. Full-size rentals typically run about $115 per day, while standard cars are often 61% cheaper than other vehicle types.
Booking ahead and being flexible with dates can make a real difference. For a deeper look at all your options, check out our Cabo Rental Cars Complete Guide.
The Details: Rental Requirements and Insurance
Renting a car in Mexico has a few extra steps. Here’s what you’ll need so there are no surprises at the counter.
You must be at least 21 years old to rent most vehicles. Drivers between 21 and 24 usually pay an extra fee of around $9 per day. Some companies have an upper age limit of 75, so check ahead.
Bring your physical driver’s license. A digital copy won’t work. If your license isn’t in the Roman alphabet, you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit or a notarized English translation. You will also need your passport or government ID.
A credit card in your name is required. The rental company will charge the rental cost plus a security hold of $500 to $1,400 or more. Debit cards are usually only accepted for final payment, not the deposit. Cash is almost never accepted.
Mexican insurance is different. By law, all vehicles must have Third-Party Liability insurance, which covers injury to others or damage to their property. Your insurance from home or coverage from credit cards often doesn’t meet this legal requirement.
Third-Party Liability is mandatory. Buying it from the rental company is the simplest option. Declining it can result in a much larger credit card hold.
Other useful coverages include:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection: These cover your rental car but come with a deductible of $3,500 to $5,000.
- Personal Accident Insurance: This covers medical bills for you and your passengers.
- Roadside Protection: This handles towing, flat tires, and lockouts.
Call your insurance company before you travel to see what coverage extends to Mexico, but local Third-Party Liability is the law. Our Cabo Rental Car Insurance guide breaks down the details.
Driving within Mexico is fine, but crossing into the US requires a special insurance extension (about $10 per day). You cannot take rental cars across Mexico’s southern border.
Where to Rent: Airport vs. Downtown Locations
You’ve picked your vehicle and sorted the paperwork. Now, where do you pick up the keys?
The airport is the most convenient option. Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) hosts all the major rental agencies. Some have desks in the arrivals hall after customs, while others run quick shuttles to their nearby lots. Look for agents holding signs with your name or the company logo.
The airport offers the widest selection of vehicles and lets you start your trip immediately, without waiting for another ride.
Downtown locations offer flexibility if you decide you want a car after settling into your hotel. You can find rental offices in downtown Cabo San Lucas, and some larger resorts have rental desks on-site, though rates may be higher.
This approach can save money if you shop around and lets you skip the airport crowds. However, you’ll need to arrange transportation from the airport first, which adds time and cost.
Most people find the airport pickup is worth it for the simplicity. But if you plan to relax at your resort for a few days before exploring, a downtown rental might make more sense. Our Los Cabos Airport Taxi Guide has more tips for navigating your arrival.
Driving in Paradise: Road Rules and Conditions
Driving around Los Cabos is straightforward once you know a few local quirks.
We drive on the right side of the road, same as in the US and Canada. Road signs are in Spanish, so knowing basics like “Alto” (stop) and “Despacio” (slow) is helpful.
Speed bumps, called topes, are everywhere: on highways, city streets, and random stretches of road. They range from gentle bumps to large, suspension-testing obstacles. Many are poorly marked, so stay alert, especially in towns and near intersections.
The main highway is a toll road. Keep Mexican pesos or small US bills handy for tolls between San Jose del Cabo, the airport, and points north.
Mexican Federal Highway 1 is in good shape through the Los Cabos area. This is the Transpeninsular Highway that runs the length of Baja California. As you head toward Todos Santos or La Paz, conditions vary, but main routes remain paved.
City driving is manageable. GPS works well in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Traffic gets heavy during peak season (summer and spring break). Try to avoid driving into town between 8 and 10 AM, and leaving town after 5 PM, especially on weekends. Allow extra time if you’re driving to the airport during these windows.
Parking is generally available. Look for lots or street parking downtown, but watch for “No Estacionarse” (no parking) signs. Many resorts and restaurants offer valet parking.
Night driving requires extra caution. Los Cabos is one of the three safest regions in Mexico, but roads get dark outside tourist areas. Watch for unexpected obstacles, pedestrians, and unmarked speed bumps.
For more safety tips, our Cabo San Lucas Safety Guide 2025 covers everything you need to know.
Is Renting a Car Right for You? Exploring the Alternatives
Benefits of Having Your Own Car in Los Cabos
Having your own wheels in Los Cabos opens up the region in ways that staying in one location can’t match. The freedom lets you explore beyond the resort bubble and find the places that make this part of Baja California Sur so special.
Day trips become easy. Want to visit Todos Santos, the charming artist town about an hour north? Or spend a day in La Paz, the capital city with its beautiful waterfront malecón? A rental car makes it happen. The rugged beauty of the East Cape, the surf breaks at Los Cerritos, and the kiteboarding havens of Los Barriles are all within reach.
Finding hidden beaches is a great reason to rent. While the main beaches are beautiful, there’s something magical about seeking out secluded coves where you might be the only ones there. These spots don’t show up on tour itineraries.
Chasing down authentic local food is much easier with a car. You can find the best taco stands and family-run restaurants tucked away in residential neighborhoods or along quiet stretches of highway.
Adventure access is important if you’re into surfing, hiking, or exploring the desert. A car gives you direct access to trailheads and remote spots that would otherwise require expensive tours or multiple taxi rides.
Spontaneity is the real gift of having your own vehicle. See something interesting? Pull over. Find a roadside fruit stand? Stop for fresh mangoes. You don’t have to stick to tour schedules or worry about taxi fares. You can easily plan a day trip to the artist town of Todos Santos or spend a day in La Paz, as detailed in our La Paz Travel Guide.
When to Skip the Rental: SJD Taxi’s Stress-Free Alternative
While car rentals offer freedom, they aren’t for everyone. Sometimes, letting someone else drive is the most relaxing option. That’s where SJD Taxi shines as a great alternative.
Staying at an all-inclusive resort means you might not need a car. If your plan is to enjoy the resort, hit the beach, and take a few organized excursions, a rental might just sit in the parking lot.
Short trips or focused itineraries don’t always justify the cost and hassle of a rental, especially if you have pre-booked activities.
Avoiding driving stress is a valid reason to skip the rental. Navigating unfamiliar roads, watching for topes, and finding parking can be a headache.
Enjoying the nightlife is easier without a car. Cabo San Lucas has a vibrant party scene. If you plan to enjoy margaritas or visit the clubs, not having to drive is a huge plus.
SJD Taxi offers private transportation that removes the guesswork. Our service provides direct transfers from the airport to your hotel or private residence. We can deliver right to your door, even within gated communities. Our certified, bilingual drivers make communication easy, and you can forget about rental agreements and insurance paperwork.
On private transfers, we provide complimentary bottled water or beer. We can also make a grocery stop on the way. We track your flight, so delays don’t leave you stranded.
Shared shuttles are our budget-friendly option, costing between $13-$40 per person each way. Find our airport representatives at Umbrella #5 outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Shared shuttles may have a short wait (15 minutes to an hour) and make 2-4 stops, but we group passengers heading to the same areas to keep the trip efficient. They cannot make grocery stops or enter private communities, but they are perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Booking with us is simple, and we offer free cancellation up to 72 hours before your service. If you want to start your Los Cabos vacation without any transportation worries, we invite you to Book a stress-free private transfer for your arrival.
